PC based solution generally also include technological tasks such as data acquisition, data processing, or numerical control. The new WinAC option ODK (Open Development Kit) permits flexible use of all PC resources by control program via three different interfaces in order to upgrade the performance of the PLC functionality. All operating system resources and systems functions of Windows are available to the programmer, and thus also access to external hardware and software components.
The new ODK version integrates the functions of the previous supplementary packages ODK and T-Kit (for the Slot PLCs) in one single development package. Therefore software development can be repeatedly applied since such software now can be used on all WinAC PLCs. Furthermore, new ODK version is compatible with the previous versions, enabling existing applications to be used further.
ODK applications are developed using a standard development environment for C or C++ programming, e.g. the Microsoft Visual Developer’s Studio. The application development engineer uses a standard environment tailored to Windows applications. No C++ programming knowledge is required when incorporating such applications into the WinAC control program. The ODK applications can be used like normal system functions in the program of STEP 7.
Development engineers of C++ applications can receive support from the WinAC Competence Center. WinAC ODK provides three interfaces for the following applications:
• CCX (Custom Code Extension Interface) for scaling separate C or C++ programs from the WinAC program control.
• SMX (Shared Memory Extension Interface) for fast data exchange on WinAC with Windows applications.
• CMI (Controller Management Interface) for integration of the WinAC panel functionality in a Windows application.
ODK includes a class library and an application wizard for simple programming in Microsoft Visual C++. The C++ program which executes outside WinAC is called from the program PLC via the CCX using two systems functions.